soop's kitchen

I have also just popped ino Tesco, thankfully only over the road. Was so shocked that they are now stocking for C*******s that I forgot to bring any goodies other than these red and white gladioli which I love so hope you enjoy.

thatbags Message from Mr soop - jolly good, thatbags hope that you get enjoyment from next year's blooms.

I have just made rather too many lemon madeleines so I've brought the surplus for you all to have with a cup of tea. Tuck in while they are still warm Daren't leave them in kitty's kitchen or they will disappear.

Just added a picture of 2 of my DGC heading back to school after the holidays to my profile. They look happy to be going.

I am so glad the kitchen is still open - have just got back from a few days with friends who live near Bayonne. Yesterday we had a trip into Spain for lunch and a quick shop in a Venta.
Got back to find I cannot access my Skype account - anyone else had the same?
I'll have a quick before going to unpack.

Granny23 lovely pictures

Morning soop, as promised, I've brought a large bottle of your favourite gin, along with some delicious olives to nibble.
I've just got time for a coffee and I'm hoping there's a small piece of cake/scone/flapjack.....anything really with my name on it before I dash off

Morning all. Thank you for all the tasty goodies. Thank you for your company.

Have just received TWO very important messages from our estate agent, without going into a very lengthy dialogue with you, the crux of the matter is...the party interested in our home have offered us £10,000 less than we NEED to get moving on the orchard plot. They would like to settle matters before Xmas. They would like us out by then. We've until Sunday night to accept their FINAL offer. Mr soop a bit low today. He's not read this missive. We're to have another meeting with our pal who's offering us the plot this lunchtime. I'm not exactly stressed...but, a very strong coffee is needed ASAP. I shall report back with update this afternoon.

Granny23 I shall look at your pics. I'm certain that they will produce a

Granny23 Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for cheering me up.

Mr soop is back. I've printed the e-mails.

soop Fingers crossed that something magical will happen. XX

Good luck, soop. If they want your house for less, they might still want it for that bit more, so don't be pushed into something you're not ready to agree to. Hope it works out.

Granny23 the children look adorable. I love those first day photos.

It's all ups and downs isn't it soop. I'll echo whenim's post and hope they are prepared to stretch a bit further. I'll pop in later to see.

Here's something to cheer up the cake makers. I was looking to get big No1 tin for DGS's birthday, and found this...

Top tips - Not dishwasher safe - Use butter to Greece the tin before baking - Let the pan cool down for 10 minutes before attempting to get the cake out.

I would be happy to take my cake tins on an outing to Greece!

Hello again,

We've had a serious discussion re the viability of making the new build work to our advantage. On the basis of the offer - figures do not make sense. We're therefore going to step back from the sale of our home and concentrate on finding the best way to explore equity release. I feel that a weight has been lifted from my mind. Mr soop is smiling. It is the route hat he has favoured all along. He has worked so hard to make the new-build a sensible way forward. Conclusion reached...it can't be done

soop and mrsoop

soop I am so glad that you and Mr soop and Rory won't be leaving your beloved home. Let's hope that the equity release route will give you the peace of mind you deserve.

You sound more upbeat already, soop. There'll be different opportunities, if you want them. Your home looks to be in an idyllic place

soop Do take care with equity release. As I am sure you are aware it can be a minefield to get proper value. It would be daft to accept £10k less than you would need to move on though.

soop Couldn't you do b&b- you've gone a captive clientele here, what with the location, Rory and the wonderful hosts

That's a great idea, Grannylin. Such a beautiful location.

soop Sometimes just making a decision takes away the angst. I do hope mr soop will be able to find the right way forward

Hello yet again. Thank you for listening.

We have spoken to Saga re equity release. We're to have a further in-depth discussion on Monday.

Our present home has one bedroom. It really has been designed around our retirement needs. Straight forward, no-frills but has everything we need...including one of the best sea views in Kintyre.

We've responded to the agent's last two e-mails. We've wished the people interested in our home every success with their venture.

Both Mr soop and I feel relaxed and ready to begin planning a wee break; one that we both need and deserve.

smile] for you.

oops!

Don't just talk to Saga. Age UK has a great deal of useful information about Equity Release.